Portret van paus Bonifatius IX 1549 - 1573

This is an engraving, likely created shortly after the death of Pope Boniface IX. Its circular format and monochrome palette immediately command our attention. The use of line becomes paramount in defining both form and texture. Look closely at how the artist uses hatching to create a sense of depth and volume in the Pope's face and vestments. This technique, which relies on closely spaced parallel lines, functions as a sort of visual code. It invites us to decode not just the physical appearance of Boniface IX, but also the symbolic weight of his office. Consider the contrast between the intricate detailing of the papal tiara and the relatively plain background. The structure creates a visual hierarchy, emphasizing the Pope’s authority. The lines and forms serve as cultural signifiers, communicating power through the visual language of the engraving. By analyzing these formal elements, we can begin to understand how the image functions as a carefully constructed representation of papal authority.